Thefts and damage at Hamilton schools result of TikTok challenge
Hamilton school boards are reporting numerous incidents of theft and vandalism relating to a now-restricted TikTok trend that has gained popularity among students in recent weeks.
In an email to The Spectator, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board spokesperson Shawn McKillop said the viral “devious lick” challenge — which involves stealing or damaging school property for views, likes and followers on the social media platform — “has been reported at several schools.”
“We have seen this challenge circulating among some of our secondary schools,” he said. “Theft and vandalism may be minor in cost, but it takes significant time and resources for caretakers and school staff to restore the damage.”
Over the years, TikTok — which research shows is most popular among teens and young adults — has become known for trends in which users sing, dance, act and, often, complete foolish and dangerous tasks.
The “devious lick” challenge — “lick” being slang for steal — is one of the latest.
At Hamilton public schools, washrooms have been among the targeted spaces, McKillop said. This includes damage to bathroom equipment, such as soap, toilet paper and towel dispensers. The board wouldn’t confirm the number of incidents or where they occurred.
McKillop said schools are “calling for anyone with information to come forward.”
Catholic board chair Pat Daly said elementary and secondary schools have reported alleged theft and vandalism — including damage to school washrooms, removed soap dispensers and the theft of a fire extinguisher, which was later returned — in recent days.
“Our board takes acts of vandalism very seriously and we know that principals will follow up with thorough investigations and appropriate consequences,” Daly said.
Search TikTok for the hashtag now, and the platform redirects you to its community guidelines. The company tweeted Wednesday evening it was “removing content” related to the challenge from the platform.
In an email to The Spectator, a spokesperson for TikTok said the platform does “not allow content that promotes or enables criminal activities.”
“We expect our community to create responsibly — online and (in real life),” the tweet reads. “Please be kind to your schools and teachers.”
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